DE102015204922A1 - Data exchange between a machine and an external control module in the beverage industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for a machine of the beverage industry comprises an HMI for user input of control commands for the machine, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine. The device is configured to connect to an external control module via a wireless communication link. By means of this wireless connection, the device can then exchange an HMI record with the external control module. Here, the device may receive at least one HMI record from the external control module, which includes data or parameters for configuring the HMI. Furthermore, at least one HMI data record can be transmitted from the HMI to the external control module, which comprises data or parameters for evaluation or storage by the external control module. The device according to the invention can be a separate module of the machine and can be connected to the HMI, communicate with it or at least control it.

Description

The invention relates to a device for controlling a machine in the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine, according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for controlling a machine in the beverage industry according to the preamble of independent claim 6 and an external control module , in particular a mobile device, for exchanging data with a machine in the beverage industry according to the preamble of independent claim 9.

State of the art

In the beverage industry, machines such as filling, labeling or packaging machines employ Human Machine Interface (HMI) modules for user control. As machines and industrial equipment become more complex, the control of such machines becomes more complex and complicated. Errors caused by incorrect operation of an industrial plant can cause enormous damage and high costs. This results in the desire to make the usability of machines and process equipment clear and given if necessary. One means of partially controlling industrial equipment is HMIs, which typically have a display screen with a graphical interface and one or more controls. Alternatively, the display screen may be a touch screen in which user inputs are made directly over the display screen by means of a finger or stylus. The user can make various settings and controls of the industrial plant via the HMI. Status information about the industrial plant can also be read from the HMI.

Such an HMI is preferably adapted to the control of a given or changed environment or machine setting and optionally personalized. Even an already configured HMI needs to be regularly updated, for example, if a process changes, if new or different products are manufactured using the industrial plant, and so on. Such configuration and / or updating of the configuration of the HMI has heretofore been accomplished by manually supplying the required data by means of a portable memory stick which the user connects to the HMI. For example, images of error messages or images of currently manufactured products are stored on a USB memory stick, which is then plugged into a corresponding USB interface of the HMI to transfer the image files to the HMI. Also, the evaluation or documentation of data of an industrial plant is done so far by means of such a memory stick. To do this, the HMI stores status information and other specified data on the memory stick.

However, this approach has the disadvantage that the transmission of various data such as images to messages or varieties can be transferred to the HMI only inadequate and time-consuming. In addition, portable storage media such as USB memory sticks pose a security risk and are a gateway to malicious software code, such as viruses, malware, Trojans, etc. Also, a simple reading of sensitive data by unauthorized persons using a memory stick is possible in this way.

Another disadvantage with the conventional configuration of the HMI results from its limited memory and processing resources. The data and parameters supplied by means of a USB memory stick can not either be processed at all or only to a very limited extent by HMI. In addition, customization using the HMI's user interface is very time consuming because an HMI is typically not designed to allow a user to access the HMI's internally stored data or data on a connected memory stick. The data that are to be loaded into the HMI must therefore already be stored in the correct formatting on the memory stick, because subsequent processing of the data in the HMI is not or only with difficulty possible.

task

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve an apparatus and a method for transmitting data to or from an HMI of a machine in the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine, in particular with regard to the efficiency and security of the data exchange the HMI for configuring the HMI or for reading out data from the HMI.

solution

The object is achieved by a device for a machine of the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine according to claim 1, a method according to claim 6 and an external control module according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An apparatus for a beverage industry machine according to an embodiment comprises an HMI for user input of control commands for the machine, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine. The device is configured to connect to an external control module via a wireless communication link. By means of this wireless connection, the device can then exchange an HMI record with the external control module. Here, the device may receive at least one HMI record from the external control module, which includes data or parameters for configuring the HMI. Furthermore, at least one HMI data record can be transmitted from the HMI to the external control module, which comprises data or parameters for evaluation or storage by the external control module. The device of the invention therefore avoids the need for a user to establish a physical connection between the HMI and a data storage medium in order to transmit data to or read data from the HMI. An appropriate interface, such as a safety-critical USB interface is no longer required. The device according to the invention can be a separate module of the machine and can be connected to the HMI, communicate with it or at least control it. Alternatively, the device according to the invention may be the HMI itself or integrated into the HMI, for example as an HMI application extension.

The external control module according to the invention can be connected to a machine of the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine or its HMI wirelessly. For example, the external control module can be a mobile device such as a mobile phone / smartphone or a tablet computer that can communicate with the machine or the HMI by means of suitable software or a specific application (app). This allows a simple and timely processing, compilation or formatting of the data to be sent to the HMI. This embodiment allows existing resources of the mobile device to be used, such as its camera for capturing image files, its processor, other existing applications for processing the data and / or the wireless connection interfaces, such as Bluetooth interface. The use of a particular application with a given program flow or predetermined user-executable steps to exchange HMI data sets between the HMI and the external control module simultaneously increases security and reduces the susceptibility to error compared to the conventional methods of configuration by means of a simple one transportable storage medium such as a USB stick.

Furthermore, the external control module can send pre-processed data to the HMI for configuration of the HMI and for data exchange with the HMI, thus reducing or avoiding further processing of the data in the HMI. Also, selecting data for transfer is simplified by the external control module. In addition, the safety-critical USB interface of HMIs can be omitted, which is not absolutely necessary by the external control module.

To configure the HMI, the data or parameters of a received HMI record can be imported into the HMI. For this purpose, the data type of the data or parameters or the syntax of the received HMI record, similar to the syntax of an XML or HTML file, can be used to import data or parameters. Thus, for example, already in the external control module or the mobile device, the layout of a new message or the position of a new image can be specified. Alternatively or additionally, one or more machine instructions may be transmitted to the HMI together with or in the HMI record. As a further option, user input can be entered via the HMI or from the external control module ( 110 ) are received.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. Show it:

1 a system in an industrial environment in which an industrial plant is controlled by an HMI and the HMI is configured by an external control module according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a system in an industrial environment in which an industrial plant is controlled by an HMI and the HMI is configured by an external control module according to an embodiment of the invention, the external control module having access to a server; and

3 a flowchart for a method for data transfer between an HMI and an external control module, according to an embodiment of the invention.

1 shows an exemplary system in an industrial environment 100 in which an industrial plant or machine 120 by means of an HMI 105 is controlled. The industrial plant 120 may include a variety of machines and machine elements controlled by a central HMI or by multiple HMIs. An example of such an industrial plant 120 may be a bottling plant, but also any other environment controlled by an HMI. Further Examples of a machine to which the embodiments of the invention can be applied are a filling machine, a labeling machine, a packaging machine, a blowing machine, a stretch blow molding machine, a cleaning machine, a transportation system, a capping machine, a foreign matter recognition machine, and similar beverage and beverage machines Food industry.

The HMI 105 can be both part of the industrial plant 120 be as well as an external HMI connected to the industrial plant 120 connected. For example, the HMI 105 via an industrial network protocol with the industrial plant 120 be connected. The HMI can be used by a user to monitor or control the machines. For example, an HMI may include a touch screen to facilitate interaction between the machine and a user.

Users can use the HMI 105 with the industrial plant 120 to interact. This may mean that users have certain processes of industrial plant 120 via the HMI 105 start, stop, customize, configure, pause, etc. In addition, users can use the HMI 105 also data about the industrial plant 120 read. For example, the HMI 105 Display status messages, diagnostic information, production types (eg beverage types in the bottling), reports, error messages, analyzes, statistics, etc.

To the HMI 105 to the requirements, characteristics and conditions of the industrial plant 120 adapt, becomes an external control module 110 via a data connection 115 with the HMI 105 connected. The data connection 115 between the external control module 110 and the HMI 105 can be both a wireless (eg Bluetooth, Wibree, WiFi, RFID, NFC, Infrared, GSM, ZigBee, WiMAX, etc.), as well as a wired (eg USB, FireWire, LAN, serial data bus, fiber optic, etc.) data connection be.

The external control module 110 can mean data transfer to the HMI 105 and for data reception from the HMI 105 exhibit. The data between the HMI 105 and the external control module 110 are commonly referred to herein as an HMI record or HMI records. As a rule, an HMI record is that of the external control module 110 in the HMI 105 However, loading is done in a different way than an HMI record is from the HMI 105 into the external control module 110 is loaded.

For example, a technician will acquire HMI records from the external control module 110 to configure the HMI 150 in the HMI 150 loaded. Such HMI configuration data records can be, for example, images (eg of production products, messages, logos, instructions and instructions, etc.), but also special text messages (eg error messages and instructions for specific situations) and / or executable HMI data records (eg control commands , Firmware, or visualization projects of the HMI 150 etc.).

In principle, however, all files in the HMI 105 can transfer and also all files from the HMI 105 through the external control module 110 be read out and downloaded. The files to be transferred in one direction are therefore not limited to the above examples. For example, you can also take individual pictures of the HMI 105 into the external control module 110 getting charged.

According to one embodiment, the HMI record is in the external control module 110 preprocessed before going through the data connection 115 in the HMI 105 be transmitted. For example, the HMI 105 open and / or process only certain file formats which are especially suitable for HMIs. For example, an operating system of the HMI 105 process only certain image files or generally only proprietary file formats. The external control module 110 In such a case, a file format of an image to be transmitted or another file into the required file format for the HMI 105 convert it into the HMI 105 is transmitted.

The content of an HMI data record to be transmitted can also be determined by means of the external control module 110 to be edited. For example, an image or photo may be edited before transmission, or a text may be edited, etc.

Another embodiment of the industrial plant 120 is described by way of example with reference to a system for filling bottles. To configure the HMI 105 In this case, it may be advantageous if the HMI 105 View images of different grades and bottles that are relevant to the different fill operations. By means of the external control module 110 can take one or more photos of labels and / or bottles in the HMI 105 be maintained. This can be done by the external control module 110 also have a camera by means of which direct photos of labels and / or bottles can be made. It is understood, however, that the images in other ways in the external control module 110 can be loaded, such as directly from a user by means of the external control module 110 generated, or via data transfer to the external control module 110 ,

If the HMI 105 can handle only proprietary file formats, so can the external control module 110 be designed to directly capture photos in the proprietary file format using an internal or external camera. Alternatively or additionally, the external control module 110 also convert standardized file formats (eg * .jpg, * .gif, * .png, etc.) into proprietary and / or special file formats, which are provided by the HMI 105 get supported. This happens before an HMI record in the HMI 105 is transmitted.

The external control module 110 can also have a secure storage environment in which files can be created, which are then stored in the HMI 105 be transmitted. The secure storage environment prevents other applications in the external control module 110 Having access to files in the secure storage environment further enhances security and protection against malicious files. For example, in one embodiment, the HMI 105 only files from the external control module 110 accept by a user of the external control module 110 be created in the secure storage environment of the external control module, such as photos taken by a camera of the external control module 110 be recorded and stored directly in the secure storage environment.

According to a further embodiment, the external control module 110 also a virtual environment with a virtual version of the HMI 105 saved. This allows the external control module 110 First, simulate an impact in the virtual HMI by transferring files to the HMI 105 is achieved. If, for example, harmful files are loaded into the virtual HMI, the external control module can 110 This is thanks to the virtual HMI detect, and prevent these malicious files in the real HMI 105 getting charged.

According to an alternative embodiment, the external control module 110 Files for the HMI 105 First send to a server that simulates a virtual HMI and first checks the files to be transferred and then optionally releases or blocks.

In another embodiment, the HMI 105 have stored themselves in a separate memory area a virtual HMI of themselves. Before files from the external control module 110 from the HMI 105 These files are accepted by the HMI 105 first loaded into the virtual HMI and executed there or opened. Only if the virtual HMI determines that the receiving HMI record is harmless will the corresponding HMI record be from the HMI 105 accepted.

To further increase safety, both the external control module 110 , as well as the HMI 105 have further means for checking HMI records received from the external control module 110 in the HMI 105 be transmitted. Thus, a check of HMI data records can be a check of the data type. For example, in this check, the data type of the HMI record against an internally stored database of data types can be compared to determine if the HMI 105 supports and / or uses the data type of the HMI data record.

The external control module 110 can be a special for the HMI 105 manufactured device that is exclusive for communication with the HMI 105 is designed. In further embodiments, the external control module 110 also a mobile phone and / or a tablet computer that has stored corresponding software. When such software is executed on the mobile phone and / or on the tablet computer by a processor, the mobile phone and / or the tablet computer may have the same or a similar functionality as a dedicated one for the HMI 105 provided external control module. For example, the appropriate software may be downloaded from a server or from a dedicated application server and installed on the mobile phone and / or the tablet computer.

In the further description is as an external control module both the specific for the HMI 105 manufactured device, as well as a mobile phone and / or tablet computer with appropriate software meant.

2 shows a further embodiment, which also includes all elements 1 and in which the external control module 110 additionally via a network 204 with a server 202 can be connected. For the connection 206 between the external control module 110 and the network 204 All common wired and / or wireless connection types can be used. Even if only one server 202 in 2 is shown, it is nevertheless understandable that also several servers in the network 204 may be present with which the external control module 110 can communicate.

The network 204 may be both a local network in, for example, a factory, or a manufacturing facility, as well as a larger network, such as the Internet.

The server 202 can have implemented different functions. For example, the server 202 to a manufacturer of the HMI 105 and / or the industrial plant 120 belong. This allows a user of the external control module 110 For example, technical help and support from the server 202 Request. This allows, for example, that a manufacturer's employee via the server 202 and the external control module 110 Remote access to the HMI 105 receives technical assistance.

Additionally or alternatively, the server 202 also be an archive server and / or a configuration computer. This can be the external control module 110 to use from the HMI 105 to back up and archive downloaded data. For example, whole projects can be done by the HMI 105 on the server 202 saved for project backup. At the same time, from the server 202 also data (for example, archived project backups, firmware updates, software updates, add-ons, visualization projects, user interfaces, etc.) to the external control module 110 be downloaded and then into the HMI 105 be transmitted.

Additionally or alternatively, the server 202 also be a security server that has a virtual version of the HMI 105 saved. As described above, the external control module 110 then files first to the server 202 transfer. On the server 202 The files thus obtained are first read into the virtual HMI and simulated an effect of the files. The server 202 can thus determine if the files are harmful to the HMI 105 and / or for the industrial plant 120 are. Only if the server 202 The files are then considered safe by the external control engine 110 in the HMI 105 be transmitted.

Additionally or alternatively, the server 202 also be an application server. The application server 202 can, for example, appropriate software for the external control module 110 provide. In one embodiment, the application server 202 for example, to download an application or application (App) for the external control module 110 be designed, wherein the external control module in this embodiment, a mobile phone (eg smartphone) and / or a tablet computer. For example, the server 202 in this case, the "Google Play Store," the "Apple App Store," or any other existing application download application server.

3 shows an example of a flowchart for a method 300 describing an embodiment of a data transfer.

In step 310 An attempt is made to establish a connection between the HMI 105 and the external control module 110 manufacture. The initiation of the connection setup is preferably by the external control module 110 executed. In one embodiment, it may be necessary for a user of the external control module 110 in physical contact with the HMI 105 is to allow unauthorized access to the HMI 105 is made difficult from the outside. For example, a user may first issue a control command directly into the HMI 105 enter the HMI 105 on an impending connection with the external control module 110 prepare. The HMI 105 may then be in a search mode in which there are incoming connection requests from an external control module 110 can receive. Alternatively, initiation of the connection setup may also be by the HMI 105 be executed directly.

In the optional step 312 may be an authentication process for the external control module 110 be performed. For example, the external control module 110 from the HMI 105 be prompted for an access code to the HMI 105 to send. Further authentication processes are possible. Whether the authentication of the external control module 110 was successful, will step in 314 certainly. If the authentication was unsuccessful, the procedure in step 316 canceled

After successful authentication of the external control module 110 on the HMI 105 be in step 318 Files for transfer between the HMI 105 and the external control module 110 selected and, if necessary, provisionally assigned. The step of selecting files to be transmitted is preferably in the external control module 110 executed. The step of selecting files to transfer may also be alternative in the HMI 105 occur.

In the case that the transfer direction in the process 300 from the external control module 110 to the HMI 105 is, the files to be transferred can first be simulated in a virtual HMI for harmfulness. This check may be in the server 202 in the HMI 105 and / or the external control module 110 take place yourself. Depending on where this review takes place, the files are transferred there accordingly first.

In step 320 It determines if the selected files are safe, ie if they are not for the HMI 105 and / or the industrial plant 120 are harmful. Should it be determined that the files are harmful, the procedure will 300 in step 316 canceled. The malicious files may then be deleted, for example, and a corresponding message may be in the external control module 110 and / or in the HMI 105 are displayed.

When in step 320 it is determined that the files are not harmful, the data transfer is in step 322 completed successfully. That means the HMI 105 receives the selected files and processes them accordingly. In the other transfer direction, this means that the files succeed from the HMI 105 into the external control module 110 downloaded and then in the external control module 110 edited, forwarded, archived, or viewed.

According to one embodiment, the external control module 110 a mobile device, such as a smartphone, mobile phone and / or tablet computer. A user can use the mobile device to create images of a message or type and use an app on the mobile device to transfer the data to the HMI.

Hereinafter, an exemplary flow of such an embodiment will be described. The user can access an application server with their mobile device, such as the "Apple App Store" or the "Google Play Store". From there, he can download and install the appropriate app on the mobile device that allows and controls the transport of files from an HMI to the mobile device, as well as the transport of files from the mobile device to an HMI.

With the corresponding downloaded app, the user can create pictures for messages, varieties, logos, etc. The app can use the camera of the mobile device. The images can be stored on the mobile device and then transferred to a connected HMI. This may allow for mapping of images to messages and species, etc.

With the downloaded app but also data from the HMI can be transferred to the mobile device, such as reports, varieties, diagnostic files or a complete visualization project. Over WLAN, portable radio etc. these data can be transferred everywhere. Suitable data such as grades or project backups can also be transferred from the mobile phone to the HMI again.

The downloaded app can also connect to a configuration computer and import project backups.

Via a connection to the Internet or to a network, project backups etc. can be stored in an archive server using the downloaded app.

It is further noted that features mentioned in the embodiments described above are not limited to these specific combinations, but are also possible in any other combinations as further embodiments.

Claims (12)

Device for transmitting data of a machine ( 120 ) in the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine, the device being an HMI ( 105 ) for user input of control commands to the machine and the data is transmitted to the HMI or received from the HMI, characterized in that the device is configured to communicate with an external control module ( 110 ), in particular a mobile device, via a wireless communication link to communicate with the external control module at least one HMI record, wherein: the at least one HMI record is received by the external control module and includes data or parameters for configuring the HMI, and / or the at least one HMI data set is transmitted from the HMI to the external control module and comprises data or parameters for evaluation or storage. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to control the HMI ( 105 ) according to the data or parameters of a received HMI record, wherein configuring the HMI comprises importing the data or parameters of the received HMI record, and the importing is based on one or more of the following criteria: a data type of the data or parameters , a syntax of the received HMI record, a machine command received with the received HMI record, and a user input entered by means of the HMI or by the external control module ( 110 ) Will be received. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external control module ( 110 ) is a mobile phone or a tablet computer and the device is configured to be connected to the external control module via a wireless communication interface of the external control module, via a cellular connection or via an internet connection. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is further configured to communicate only with a specific application of the external control module, or only such HMI records from the external Control module ( 110 ) that were created in a secure storage and / or processing environment of the external control module. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the at least one HMI data record received by the external control module comprises at least one image file, an executable machine command, a table, a text file, a project backup file or a visualization project, and / or the at least one HMI data record transmitted to the external control module comprises at least one report, diagnostic information, a visualization project, a project backup file or a current status. Method for controlling a machine ( 120 ) in the beverage industry, in particular a filling, labeling or packaging machine, comprising: establishing a wireless data connection for exchanging at least one HMI data record between an HMI ( 105 ) for user input of control commands to the machine and an external control module; and exchanging at least one HMI record between the HMI and the external control module over the data connection, wherein: the at least one HMI record is received from the external control module and includes data or parameters for configuring the HMI, and / or the at least one HMI Record is transmitted from the HMI to the external control module and data or parameters for evaluation or storage includes. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises: configuring the HMI ( 105 ), wherein the configuring comprises importing the data or parameters of a received HMI record, and the importing is based on one or more of the following criteria: a data type of the data or parameters, a syntax of the received HMI record, one with the received HMI Data set received machine command, and a user input entered by the HMI or by the external control module ( 110 ) Will be received. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving the at least one HMI data set from the external control module, wherein the at least one HMI data record comprises an image file, an executable command, a table, a text file, a project backup file or a visualization project, and / or Sending the at least one HMI data set to the external control module, wherein the at least one HMI data set comprises at least one report, diagnostic information, a visualization project, a project backup file or a current status. External control module ( 110 ), especially a mobile device, for exchanging data with an HMI ( 105 ) of a machine ( 120 in the beverage industry, in particular a bottling, labeling or packaging machine, the HMI for user input of control commands to the machine, and wherein the external control module is configured to be wirelessly connected to the HMI to communicate with the HMI at least exchanging an HMI record, wherein: the external control module is configured to send the at least one HMI record to the HMI or the machine and the at least one HMI record comprises data or parameters for configuring the HMI and / or the external control module is configured to receive the at least one HMI record from the HMI or the machine and the at least one received HMI record comprises data or parameters for evaluation or storage by the external control module. External control module ( 110 ) according to claim 9, wherein the external control module is a mobile phone or a tablet computer, which is configured so that a specific application can be installed on the external control module, which communicate with the HMI or the machine via a wireless communication link or a cellular connection can, with the special application is set up on the external control module to create at least one HMI record and transmit to the HMI or the machine, wherein the at least one HMI record at least one image file, an executable machine command, a table, a text file , a project backup file, and / or a visualization project. External control module ( 110 ) according to claim 10, wherein a syntax of the at least one HMI dataset indicates how the data or parameters of the at least one HMI dataset into the HMI ( 105 ) or the at least one HMI data record is transmitted to the HMI or the machine with a machine command indicating how the data or parameters of the at least one HMI data record are transferred to the HMI ( 105 ) are to be imported. External control module ( 110 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the external control module a cellular phone or a tablet computer configured to install a special application on the external control module that can communicate with the HMI or the machine via a wireless communication link or cellular connection, the particular application being on the external Control module is arranged to receive at least one HMI data set from the HMI or the machine, wherein the at least one received HMI data set comprises at least a report, a diagnostic information, a visualization project, a project backup file and / or a current status and the special application is set up to save the received HMI record, evaluate or display its data on a screen of the external control module.

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